NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Capped leave liability in the public sector stood at R16.24 billion- report

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The total capped leave liability in the public sector stood at R16.24 billion as of December 2023, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said on Tuesday.

    Standing at R16.24 billion and covering 189,039 employees, the total capped leave liability represents approximately 14% of the total public service workforce. 

    “It is important to note that this cost continues to increase in line with cost-of-living adjustments and/or appointments into higher positions,” PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya said at a media briefing in Pretoria.

    Addressing media on the commission’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: “The Pulse of the Public Service”, Gxoyiya said the majority of employees holding capped leave are concentrated in the education and health sectors. Most of them were also closer to retirement and according to the Commissioner, that raises concern about potential future skills shortages in these critical areas if not proactively addressed.

    WATCH | PSC media briefing 

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    “In relation to study leave, which is a type of special leave, data from national departments indicates that 17 733 – 20 651 employees took study leave from 2020 to 2023,” he said.

    At provincial level, 21 004 – 23 265 employees took study leave from 2020 to 2023.

    “In some provinces, over 70% of these employees were from the Health and Education Departments.  On average, study leave days ranged from five to eight days, with national departments having the highest average at 8.5 days. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces followed with 7.4 and 6.5 days respectively,” he said.

    The Commissioner further explained that special leave is a negotiated benefit in terms of the public service employment conditions.

    “Prior to the adoption of the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council Resolution 2 of 2024, departments operated under varied special leave policies, leading to a lack of uniformity across the public service.”

    Meanwhile, there was also a notable increase in sick leave usage observed in 2022, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return to full-time workplace operations.

    Grievances

    With regard to the number of grievances handled by the PSC, Gxoyiya said that as at 31 March 2025, the PSC registered 439 grievances, including 85 cases carried-over from the previous financial year.

    “Of the 439 grievances, 338 (77%) have been concluded and 101 (23%) remained pending as at end of 31 March 2025. 

    “Of the 338 concluded cases, 18 (5%) was substantiated, 84 (25%) were unsubstantiated, nine  (3%) were partially substantiated, 43 (13%) were internally resolved within departments following the PSC’s intervention and the remaining 184 (54%) were closed for various reasons, including those that were also pending before different sectoral bargaining councils, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration or courts.”

    Of the 439 grievances (including 85 cases carried over from the previous financial year), 403 were for employees on salary levels 2-12 and 36 for members of the Senior Management Service (SMS).

    Of the 403 grievances of employees on salaries level 2 to 12, 309 were concluded, of which 282 (91%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigator.

    Of the 36 grievances of SMS members, 29 were concluded, of which 24 (83%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigator.

    The Commission also expressed concern with the continued failure by some departments to conclude grievances within the timeframes prescribed in the bargained Resolution 14 of 2002 for grievances of employees on salaries level 2 to 12, and Chapter 10 of the SMS Handbook.

    “The PSC will in future investigate the cause of delays in grievance conclusion by departments This will assist in determining whether or not the delays are as a result of the agreed timeframes being unrealistic, or whether it is the human resource capacity issue or whether it is because of any other reason other than these,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Chikunga welcomes life sentences in murder of disabled woman

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has welcomed the sentencing of two men convicted in the brutal murder of Nosipho ‘Nomdundu’ Mafani of KwaNokuthula, Western Cape.

    The two men, Mboneli Msila and Monde Tshemese, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court of South Africa: Western Cape Division sitting in Knysna, for their role in conspiracy to commit the murder of Mafani, a 23-year-old woman with a mental disability.

    Msila, the adoptive father of Mafani, orchestrated the murder in order to claim funeral policy payouts totalling R600 000.

    He hired three men, Mbulelo Jack, Monde Tshemese, and Lungisile Lucas, to carry out the hit.

    Chikunga said Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a national crisis in South Africa, with disproportionately high rates of violence against women, girls, and vulnerable group, including women in female-headed households, women with disabilities, and Black African women.

    “Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a deeply rooted societal issue. Women with disabilities, in particular, are often subjected to extreme forms of sexual and physical violence. Despite being one of the most vulnerable groups, their experiences continue to be overlooked and under-addressed in society,” Chikunga said.

    The Minister highlighted that Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, which places strong emphasis on Justice, Safety, and Protection, aims to address systemic shortcomings in the legal and system, and seeks to enhance the overall response to GBVF cases.

    It also aims to ensure that survivors have access to justice and are afforded safety and protection through improvements to the legal framework and its implementation.

    Although often committed in private settings, the Minister warned that GBVF is not a private matter, but a serious public crime.

    She acknowledged that GBVF is an ongoing diabolic act of violation of human rights, particularly “the rights of persons with disabilities should never be justified and must be confronted with all resources available.”

    “It deprives women and girls of their fundamental human rights, including the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and violation of bodily integrity. Failure to take meaningful action to prevent, prosecute, and punish such acts, constitutes a violation of human rights.

    “All incidents of physical or sexual abuse, intimidation, or threats must be reported to the nearest SAPS station to obtain a case number and/or protection order. Alternatively, victims of sexual offences can seek assistance from the nearest Thuthuzela Care Centre or similar support facilities,” the Minister said.

    Government has also established the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) to provide 24-hour support to victims of abuse and violence.

    “We share a strong reminder that our government will continue to stand firm to protect and defend human rights as enshrined by the constitution,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU secures interim interdict against pension withdrawal

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an interim interdict preventing Sanele Dlamini, a former senior manager at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), from withdrawing his pension benefits pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.

    The interdict bars Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU’s main case  – a civil recovery action tied to the misallocation of R6 million in NLC grant funds – is concluded. 

    The fourth respondent, Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, has been directed to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. 

    This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim.

    Dlamini, who held several senior positions at the NLC, including Provincial Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Senior Manager: Grant Operations, and Acting Chief Operations Officer, was found guilty on four of six disciplinary charges related to misconduct during his tenure. 

    The charges included approving falsified progress reports, as well as gross negligence and dereliction of duty. His dismissal was finalised on 04 October 2024 following the disciplinary process.

    The SIU’s investigation revealed that the NLC-funded project – a sports complex – was never initiated, and supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, were falsified. 

    Dlamini, who facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation, co-signed the fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or documentation, enabling the unlawful payout.

    “The SIU pursues a preservation order to limit the risk of a ‘hollow judgment’ if funds were released, noting concerns that Dlamini may lack sufficient assets to satisfy future claims.

    “The order of the Special Tribunal implements SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence. The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects,” the SIU said.

    The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration. 

    In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Syncfusion® Partners with Devessence to Sponsor and Co-Host the 2025 TrailBlazor Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion®, Inc., the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced it will sponsor and co-host the 2025 TrailBlazor Conference with longtime partner Devessence. The free, virtual event streams live on Thursday, June 26, and brings together the global .NET community to explore the latest developments in Blazor, .NET MAUI, and Oqtane.

    “TrailBlazor celebrates everything we love about the .NET ecosystem: open-source collaboration, community-driven learning, and practical tools that help developers get features into their users’ hands faster,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “Partnering with Devessence allows us to connect developers with leading experts and highlight innovations like our open-source Syncfusion Toolkit for .NET MAUI—resources that empower developers at every stage of their journey.”

    Now in its fifth year, TrailBlazor features keynotes and deep-dive sessions led by Microsoft engineers, .NET MVPs, and Syncfusion experts. The event also features live demonstrations of tools and techniques, including the open-source Syncfusion Toolkit for .NET MAUI and 1,900+ ready-made Syncfusion UI components. Interactive networking will be available via live chat and sponsor lounges.

    Syncfusion Senior Product Manager Shriram Sankaran will open the conference with “Turn Data into Charts with AI & the Syncfusion Toolkit for .NET MAUI” from 8–9 a.m. EDT.

    Registration is available at trailblazor.net, where attendees can view the full schedule and speaker biographies. For details on the extensive suite of Syncfusion developer tools, visit syncfusion.com.

    About Syncfusion, Inc.
    Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.

    Contact: Brittany Kearns
    Phone: 571-271-7211
    Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “Girl Education Today for Women Empowerment Tomorrow”: Emphasizes Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej on International Women’s Day 2025

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany together with First Ladies of Africa who are also their Ambassadors, Ministries of Health, Education, Communication & Gender, mark ‘International Women’s Day 2025’, through their impactful development programs, continuing their 13-year legacy of empowering women and girls. 

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of the Most Influential African Women for Six Consecutive Years (2019 – 2024) expressed, “Happy International Women’s Day to all the remarkable women and girls around the world!  

    Empowering girls and women is at the core of all our initiatives and programs at Merck Foundation. I recognize the immense potential of women to thrive, succeed and excel in any domain they choose, yet they often lack the conducive environment to fully realize their capabilities, especially in underserved communities.  

    Therefore, together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, we mark International Women’s Day every day since the last 13 years through our development programs and initiatives such as ‘More Than a Mother’, ‘Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement’, ‘Educating Linda’, and ‘STEM Program’.” 

    “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, education and change of mindset.  

    “I am thrilled to share that out of the 2,282 scholarships awarded across 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, 1063 scholarships, that is nearly 50% have been granted to female medical graduates, empowering them to become future healthcare experts and leaders. 

    I am especially proud that we have awarded over 716 scholarships to young doctors, dedicated to advancing women’s health by strengthening reproductive, sexual health, and fertility care capacity.” 

    Merck Foundation CEO strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women empowerment.  

    “I am happy to share that through our “Educating Linda” Program, together with my dear sisters, our Ambassadors, we are supporting the education by providing over 950 scholarships for high performance and underprivileged African schoolgirls, empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls in many African countries such as Botswana, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cabo Verde and more. 

    Moreover, we have benefitted thousands of girls through our awareness campaign through many initiates like the release of inspiring songs, children’s storybooks, animation films, TV Program and awards for best media, song, film & fashion designs, all aimed at promoting girl education today for women’s empowerment tomorrow”, emphasized Senator Rasha Kelej. 

    Merck Foundation also actively empowers women in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.  

    “Our goal is to empower women and young African researchers, enhance their research capacity, and promote their contributions to STEM,” emphasized Dr. Kelej.  

    Watch the Episodes of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:  

    Episode 2: https://apo-opa.co/3TJnIlf

    Episode 11: https://apo-opa.co/3T5CQcE

    Episode 14: https://apo-opa.co/4kUtgFA

    Listen to Merck Foundation song about Supporting Girl Education here:  

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the “Girl Can” song here, sung by two famous singers, Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/407Ntj9

    2. Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda: https://apo-opa.co/4kV21e5

    3. Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education: https://apo-opa.co/3ZGPClx

    4. Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKJaL 

    5. Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: https://apo-opa.co/3HWDu9W

    Watch the Merck Foundation Animation Films to Support Girl Education : 

    Ride into to Future: https://apo-opa.co/4lhKTin

    Jackeline’s Rescue: https://apo-opa.co/3ZKEFzv

    Read the Merck Foundation storybook addressing the importance of Girl Education: 

    1. To read Educating Linda Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/44lkNEv

    2. To read Jackline’s Rescue Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4nhP6Ve

    3. To read Ride into the Future Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zAJO

    4. To read Not Who You Are Storybook, pls visit: https://apo-opa.co/4k3zFNC

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager
    +91 9310087613
    +91 9319606669
    mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

    About Merck Foundation:  
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/40mEwlR), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ngMjLO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HVBxui), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lkw0Mb), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4k8LPF5) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3FU9QSe). 

    The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African leaders urge United States (U.S.) to embrace investment-driven partnerships and review tariffs


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    African leaders have called on Monday for an urgent review of U.S. tariffs on African exports, urging a shift towards transformative partnerships and investment in Africa’s economic potential.

    Addressing more than 2,000 government and business leaders, and other delegates at the U.S.-Africa business summit in the capital Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço said: “It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of investment and trade.”

    He urged U.S. companies to diversify beyond traditional oil and mineral extraction and invest in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, cement production, and steel production.

    African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, added, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.” He called for the removal of punitive tariffs and visa restrictions, noting that Africa’s 1.3 billion people and abundant resources remain among the world’s most significant untapped economic opportunities.

    “This should not just be a summit, but a call to action. Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, and Agenda 2063 as our guide,” he told the summit.

    In his remarks, African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said, “We should review the high tariffs on African countries. What is needed is more trade between Africa and the U.S., not less.”

    African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretary General Wamkele Mene reinforced Africa’s integration agenda, highlighting the importance of open regional markets. “The undertaking of the AfCFTA is an ambitious one—It has to be ambitious,” Mene said. He emphasized that the success of AfCFTA is essential to scale investment, reduce fragmentation, and accelerate industrial development across the continent.

    From rhetoric to action: Building real partnerships

    The central message was clear: the era of aid dependency is over, and the time for transformative investment partnerships has arrived. The leaders called for bold, strategic investments to unlock Africa’s trillion-dollar potential.

    Responding to the call for deeper engagement, U.S. officials acknowledged Africa’s growing economic importance and the need to reset perceptions. Senior State Department Bureau Official Troy Fitrell said, “There are business leaders in the U.S. who need to understand the opportunities that lie in doing business with Africa. Our mission going forward will be to find them—and bring them in.”

    The U.S.-Africa Business Summit promotes economic cooperation and investment between the United States and Africa with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the summit provides a platform to discuss key issues and opportunities in the U.S.–Africa relations, ultimately driving growth and development on both sides.

    Adesina pointed to the Lobito corridor as a concrete example of strategic investment already underway.

    “That is why the African Development Bank is a key strategic partner with the U.S., Angola, and Zambia on the development of the Lobito corridor,” he said. This critical corridor will link the vast areas of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the port of Angola, improving mineral supplies, unlocking agricultural potential, and creating jobs.

    The African Development Fund, the soft loan arm of the Bank Group, will be providing $500 million in support of the development of the Lobito Corridor. Additionally, the African Development Bank will provide $1 billion over five years for complementary investments around the corridor, including agricultural value chains, roads, and energy infrastructure.

    Act on the data, not perceptions

    The Bank President went further: “As we build transport corridors, let us also build strategic partnership corridors. Strategic partnerships that prioritize capital investments in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals industrialization, and development of digital infrastructure, as well as capital markets.”

    He charged U.S. investors: “Act on the data, not perceptions. Think Africa. Think opportunities. Think competition. From the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to the Export-Import Bank of the United States, as well as institutional investors and capital allocations, invest in Africa. Let’s make America and Africa great again.”

    Corporate Council on Africa President Florie Liser challenged summit delegates to embrace true partnership: “Beyond deals, let’s strive for lasting transformation.” As part of the opening ceremony of the Summit, the Corporate Council on Africa honored Dr. Adesina with its Distinguished Economic Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to Africa’s transformation.

    Council Deputy Chairman, Mr. Jean Raymond Boulle, conferred the award, describing how the African Development Bank has impacted millions of Africans under Adesina’s leadership, while transforming the Bank to a world-class institution and a partner of choice.

    Akinwumi Adesina, who will complete his second and final five-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on 31 August, has led for the past decade transformative projects across Africa under the Bank’s five strategic priorities, the “High 5s”. They have positively impacted the lives of more than 565 million people on the continent.

    Speaking at a high-level event hosted by Africa50, a pioneering infrastructure investment platform dedicated to accelerating project development and delivery across Africa, Adesina emphasized the urgent need to scale local financing solutions—especially in local currencies—to mitigate forex volatility, reduce risk mismatches, and enhance the bankability and stability of infrastructure projects for global investors.

    The event, titled “Unlocking Capital for Africa’s Infrastructure through Innovative Finance,” featured a high-level panel discussion on asset recycling, moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest, with insights from Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; Brook Taye, Director General of Ethiopia Investment Holdings; and Armando Manuel, Chairman of Fundo Soberano de Angola.

    Together, they explored how innovative models, such as asset recycling, can unlock capital and accelerate infrastructure development across Africa.

    Alain Ebobissé stated that the asset recycling model has been successfully implemented in many countries worldwide.

    “In implementing this initiative in Africa, we are pursuing three objectives. First, monetizing assets—ensuring that, instead of owning only a bridge, you receive cash that you can reinvest in your assets. Second, improving the efficiency of the asset by bringing in first-class operators to help us manage those assets. Third, and most importantly, we aim to bring pension funds and other investors interested in cash flow-generating assets to finance these projects,” Ebobissé explained.

    Adesina said over the past decade, the African Development Bank Group has invested over $55 billion in infrastructure, including regional projects, making the Bank the largest financier of infrastructure in Africa.

    The African Development Bank established Africa50 as a private equity infrastructure platform, comprising a project development company and a project finance company, to support the development of infrastructure with market-rate returns.

    Africa’s missing share of a $2.9 trillion opportunity

    The Bank President informed the audience that, in the past eight years since its establishment, Africa50 has invested in a portfolio of infrastructure projects worth over $8 billion.

    “But more is needed, especially from private sector investors,” stated Adesina. “Africa should be well positioned to attract some of the $2.9 trillion global green bonds. However, the continent represents less than 1% of global green bond issuance. Because most of Africa’s infrastructure is yet to be built, this represents a huge opportunity for green bond issuances to build green infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions, and build climate resilience.”

    The African Development Bank launched the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) to mobilize $500 million for project preparation and development, as well as $10 billion for green infrastructure investments. Africa50 is the General Partner for the AGIA-Project Development Fund, with several Limited Partners, including the G7 countries.

    To mitigate risks at scale across Africa, the African Development Bank is establishing the Africa Risk Mitigation Agency, which will consolidate all banks’ guarantee instruments into a single entity. The entity will support guarantees for equity risk, climate risk, refinancing risk, and political risk.

    He emphasized that Africa50 is also pioneering asset recycling, enabling governments to recover their investment in infrastructure by transferring brownfield assets to the private sector. This can help to reduce debt burdens and provide liquidity for governments.

    “The Senegambia bridge, which the African Development Bank financed with $104 million, was the first to be used for the asset recycling program. It worked successfully, as Gambia received $104 million it spent back through Africa50,” he added. “Following this, several asset recycling initiatives are being proposed for many infrastructure projects financed for governments by the African Development Bank Group.”

    The renewed momentum for U.S.-Africa business partnerships received strong political backing, with the participation of seven Heads of State, several Prime Ministers, and leaders of key regional organizations.

    Attending dignitaries included Presidents Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo), Faustin-Archange Touadéra (Central African Republic), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Taye Aske Selassie (Ethiopia), Duma Gideon Boko (Botswana), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon); Prime Ministers Gervais Ndirakobuca (Burundi), Robert Beugré Mambé (Côte d’Ivoire), Russell Mmiso Dlamini (Eswatini), Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua (Equatorial Guinea), Christian Louis Ntsay (Madagascar), and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Justina Majara (Lesotho); as well as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Gilberto Da Piedade Verissimo, Chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States, and Elias M. Magosi, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers remarks at SPIEF’25 plenary.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers remarks at SPIEF’25 plenary following the remarks of H.E Vladimir Putin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wxvcv2jMEw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Shipokosa Mashatile concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Shipokosa Mashatile concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSomPmk-KTA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a guided tour of St Petersburg Port.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a guided tour of St Petersburg Port.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP2JH-KIyd4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit at Steve Biko Hospital

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    President Cyril Ramaphosa conducts oversight visit at Steve Biko Hospital

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOwPhx3mw2k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile in an interactive session with the SPIEF Youth Academy.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile in an interactive session with the SPIEF Youth Academy ahead of SPIEF’25 plenary session.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2M54oXg32E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mshatile meets with Mrs Valentina Matvienko and Mr Vysachesla Volodin.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mshatile meets with Mrs Valentina Matvienko and Mr Vysachesla Volodin,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9GL9GNm3BE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQeGQTPbias

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrives in Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport in Moscow.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQeGQTPbias

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY1Jd5S2LkU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY1Jd5S2LkU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Affirms Continued Support for Afghan People in Facing Multiple Challenges, Assisting Them to Achieving Peace and Stability

    Source: Government of Qatar

    New York, June 24, 2025

    The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued support for the Afghan people in facing multiple challenges and its commitment to assisting them on the path toward achieving peace and stability. Qatar also expressed its keenness to continue working with regional and international partners to establish the foundations of peace in Afghanistan and strengthen the elements of development.

    This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani during the United Nations Security Council’s Quarterly Briefing on Situation in Afghanistan, held at the UN headquarters in New York.

    Her Excellency emphasized that the humanitarian, economic, and political situations in Afghanistan require enhanced joint efforts to support and assist the Afghan people. She noted that the security and stability of Afghanistan positively impact regional and international security and peace.

    HE further pointed out that the State of Qatar took the initiative to establish the Doha peace track for Afghanistan in 2013 in cooperation with international partners, and hosted a series of dialogues as part of a comprehensive political process involving all segments of Afghan society. She added that these efforts culminated in the signing of the Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between US and Taliban in Doha on Feb. 29, 2020, which the UN Security Council described in its Resolution 2513 as a significant step toward ending the war and opening the door to intra-Afghan negotiations.

    Her Excellency said that since then, the State of Qatar has continued its contribution by coordinating international efforts and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations, concerned countries, and the Afghan caretaker government, adding that the State of Qatar takes pride in hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, starting with the meetings of the UN Special Envoys on Afghanistan convened by the UN Secretary-General in Doha in May 2023, February 2024, and July 2024, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive approach to facilitating initial international engagement in a more coherent and coordinated manner for the sake of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

    Her Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s aspiration to host the third meeting of the Working Group on Counter-Narcotics and the second meeting of the Working Group on Supporting Afghanistan’s Private Sector, both emerging from the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which will be held in Doha from June 30 to July 1, with the participation of representatives from the Afghan caretaker government, countries involved in the Doha Process, and technical experts.

    HE stressed that the State of Qatar continues its efforts through the Qatar Fund for Development, in cooperation with United Nations entities, to provide humanitarian support to the Afghan people, including food aid, supporting basic healthcare programs, improving Afghan children’s access to education, providing scholarships, supporting programs to economically empower Afghan women and enhance their resilience to crises, and backing programs that empower Afghan youth, HE added.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Summons Iranian Ambassador, Reiterates Qatar’s Strong Condemnation of Violation of Its Sovereignty and Airspace

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 24, 2025

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned on Tuesday HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Qatar Ali Salehabadi, and reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, considering it a blatant violation of its sovereignty and airspace, as well as of the international law and the United Nations Charter. It also affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond to this flagrant violation in accordance with international law.

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi affirmed to the Iranian Ambassador that this violation is completely inconsistent with the principle of good neighborliness and the close relations that exist between the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran—especially considering that Qatar has always advocated for dialogue with Iran and has made considerable diplomatic efforts in this regard.

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs also emphasised the urgent need to immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and outstanding issues, avoid escalation, and halt military operations in an effort to promote regional and international stability.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign, Global Affairs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 24, 2025

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a phone call on Tuesday from HE Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio.

    During the phone call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.

    HE Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs expressed his country’s solidarity with the State of Qatar after the Iranian missile attack on Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Diaspora Nationals Commemorate Martyrs Day


    Download logo

    Eritrean nationals in Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, the United States, Russian Federation, South Sudan, Austria, and Finland have commemorated Martyrs Day with pride.

    Eritrean communities in the Swiss cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Valais, Bern, Zurich, Chur, St. Gallen, Solothurn, Basel, Zug, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, and Ticino; Abu Dhabi and its environs in the UAE; Gothenburg, Sweden; Ohio, USA; Moscow, Russian Federation; Vienna, Austria; Aweil and Wau, South Sudan; as well as the Finnish cities of Helsinki, Jyvaskyla, Lahti, and Oulu commemorated Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. Participants pledged to strengthen their engagement in supporting the Martyrs Trust Fund and the families of martyrs.

    Nationals in Aweil, South Sudan, assumed responsibility for supporting 130 families of martyrs and contributed 3,500 US dollars. Nationals in Abu Dhabi and its environs contributed 5,150 Dirhams, while nationals in Finland contributed 2,830 Euros toward augmenting the Martyrs Trust Fund.

    Nationals in Switzerland who had previously taken on the responsibility of supporting families of martyrs reaffirmed their commitment. Nationals in Canton Geneva and Canton Bern contributed 4,184 Swiss francs; Canton Schaffhausen, 1,320 Swiss francs; Canton St. Gallen, 2,920 Swiss francs; Canton Lausanne, 3,360 Swiss francs; Canton Lucerne, 5,000 Swiss francs; Canton Zurich, 5,565 Swiss francs; Canton Valais, 515 Swiss francs; and Canton Aargau, 500 Swiss francs. The Eritrean community in Biel/Bienne contributed 10,000 Swiss francs to the Martyrs Trust Fund.

    Similarly, nationals in Bern contributed 5,000 Swiss francs in support of seven families of martyrs; nationals in Graubünden contributed 3,600 Swiss francs for five families; and nationals in St. Gallen contributed 10,800 Swiss francs in support of 15 families of martyrs.

    Likewise, nationals residing in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, have pledged to assume responsibility for supporting 11 families of martyrs.

    Events in all cities featured candlelight vigils and walkathon programs.

    In related news, 114,000 Nakfa contributed by staff members of the Northern Red Sea Region administration and Foro sub-zone has been distributed to families of martyrs.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mozambique: Armed Group’s Child Abductions Surge in North


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    An armed group linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) has ramped up abductions of children in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, Human Rights Watch said today. Most of the abducted children are being used for transporting looted goods, forced labor, forced marriages, and taking part in the fighting.

    National civil society groups and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report that such kidnappings are on the rise. While the armed group, locally known as Al-Shabab, released some of the children they abducted earlier this year, a number of children remain missing; those who have returned to their communities struggle with reintegration. 

    “The surge in abductions of children in Cabo Delgado adds to the horrors of Mozambique’s conflict,” said Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Al-Shabab needs to spare children from the conflict and immediately release those who have been abducted.”

    In May and June 2025, Human Rights Watch interviewed nine people in Mozambique, including residents of Cabo Delgado, journalists, civil society activists, and a UN official, all of whom expressed concern about the resurgence of kidnappings. “In recent days, 120 or more children have been abducted,” said Abudo Gafuro, executive director at Kwendeleya, a national organization that monitors attacks and provides support to victims. 

    On January 23, 2025, Al-Shabab attacked the village of Mumu, in Mocímboa da Praia district, and abducted four girls and three boys. During Al-Shabab’s subsequent retreat, two children were released, but five remain missing. In March, the armed group abducted six children in Chibau to carry looted goods; four were released the following day. On May 3, Al-Shabab abducted a girl in the village of Ntotwe, Mocímboa da Praia district; on May 11, they kidnapped six girls and two boys near Magaia village in Muidumbe district. 

    When Al-Shabab fighters “enter or attack certain areas, they tend to abduct children,” said Augusta Iaquite, coordinator at the Association of Women in Legal Careers in Cabo Delgado. “They take them to train them and later turn them into their own fighters.” 

    When children who have been abducted return to the community, there are few resources to help them reintegrate, Human Rights Watch said. “The country needs a clear strategy on what to do when a child, especially one that has been rescued, returns,” said Benilde Nhalivilo, executive director at the Civil Society Forum for Children’s Rights. 

    Civil society organizations have called on Mozambique’s government to fulfill the country’s obligations under domestic and international law to protect the nation’s children. 

    Mozambique’s Constitution and the 2008 Law for the Promotion and Protection of Children’s Rights enshrine the state’s duty to protect children from all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Additionally, Mozambique is a party to various international and regional instruments that guarantee children’s rights, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Both explicitly prohibit the abduction, recruitment, and exploitation of children. The UN Optional Protocol to the Child Rights Convention on the involvement of children in armed conflict, ratified by Mozambique in 2004, prohibits non-state armed groups from recruiting or using children under 18. 

    Under customary international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, children are entitled to special respect and protection, and recruiting or using children under the age of 15 to participate actively in hostilities is a war crime. 

    Mozambican authorities should seek to prevent further abductions, investigate existing cases and fairly prosecute those responsible, and ensure proper support for victims, Human Rights Watch said. Rescued children need medical care, psychosocial assistance, and reintegration mechanisms that provide for their protection and well-being.

    “Mozambique’s government needs to take concrete actions to safeguard children and prevent armed groups from using them as tools of conflict,” Budoo-Scholtz said. “There is a need to ensure that there are robust reintegration measures so that the children are not further ostracized when they come back to the community.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services in Ethiopia


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    To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas.

    A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the knowledge and tools to manage their own sexual and reproductive health through safe, simple and affordable practices for family planning, HIV prevention, cervical cancer prevention, nutrition, and maternal, adolescent and youth health. Practical examples range from access to contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and HIV self-test kits, all supported by educational guidance. This also includes self-management of medical abortion in line with national legislation, which permits the procedure under certain conditions.  

    With support from World Health Organization (WHO), health authorities have developed the National Self-Care Intervention Guideline, focusing on interventions for women, adolescent and child health. They have also integrated self-care and expanded sexual and reproductive health services into key national policy guidelines, including those related to family planning, safe abortion care, teenage pregnancy reduction, and sexual and reproductive health responses in humanitarian settings.

    Across the country, health workers are being trained to teach people how to promote these self-care tools. This started with a workshop for 38 public health officials from the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus and other institutions in June 2024. The initiative was then expanded to the sub-national level, equipping 67 health providers and managers with skills, in October 2024.  

    “The recommendations and action plan we developed will help us integrate self-care into our existing health services effectively,” said Daniel Nadew, Maternal Child Health desk team lead from Addis Ababa City Health Bureau.

    Following the scaling up self-care training, at Kolfe Health Centre in Addis Ababa, one of the pilot facilities, the introduction of self-care services contributed to a significant increase in access to services. In 2024, as part of the family planning service delivery, more than 800 women received over-the-counter combined oral contraceptives, compared with 280 in 2022.

    Additionally, 84 women were trained to self-administer a safe and effective injectable contraceptive, known as DMPA, and more than 1000 adolescents were provided condoms after training on correct use.

    Moreover, 50 women received self-management of medical abortion services, which included comprehensive training on how and when to use the medication, the correct dose, side effects, possible complications, and guidance on when to get medical help.

    “The self-care training has significantly improved my knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive family planning and abortion care. The practical sessions were particularly helpful, and I feel more confident in my ability to support women in my community,” said Fatima Belay*, a health worker from Addis Ababa.

    Belay * also highlighted the benefits of self-administered injectable contraceptives: “I appreciate the ease and convenience of the self-administering contraceptive, which I am able to use at home, at my usual workplace, or wherever I am.”

    Amid the humanitarian crises in the northern region of Amhara, WHO and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute trained 30 healthcare providers from 13 health facilities in conflict-affected districts on self-care intervention guidelines.

    Following the training, nine facilities provided onsite selfcare orientation for their staff which resulted in over 100 women and adolescents being educated on selfcare for family planning, antenatal care, pregnancy danger signs, nutrition, and safe abortion.  

    Gish Abay Health Centre empowered 120 adolescents with skills for correct condom use and provided safe abortion care for 35 adolescent girls. Tilili Health Centre broadened the scope of self-care to include HIV self-testing, breast self-examination, pregnancy self-testing, and condom and emergency contraceptive use.

    “These interventions significantly benefited the community and contributed to the efforts towards reducing preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. It will enable us to reach every mother, newborn, child, and adolescent in our community who are critically in need of health services,” said Nadew.

    “Ethiopia’s commitment for self-care integration is empowering individuals, especially women and adolescents, with the knowledge and tools for proactive health management, offering considerable community convenience and cost savings,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “WHO is proud to support this effort, which significantly improves health outcomes by expanding access to critical sexual and reproductive health services, particularly crucial in conflict-affected areas.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)

    Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.

    Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.

    Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.

    Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.

    Azagaia’s POVO NO PODER.

    The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.

    In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.

    Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.

    But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.

    As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.

    Attempts to rekindle the flame

    The newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, opened the 50th anniversary celebrations on 7 April in Nangade, in Cabo Delgado province. This is one of the places where the armed struggle against the Portuguese began.

    National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.

    Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.

    Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.

    In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.

    The reality today is quite different.

    Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.

    He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the

    mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.

    He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.

    For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.

    The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.

    On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.

    The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.

    But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.

    Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).

    The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.

    On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.

    Inequality and disparities

    Mozambique is among the six most unequal countries in the world and one of the poorest. According to World Bank data, 500,000 young people enter the labour market each year, with an average absorption capacity of about 25,000 in the formal sector, and 36% of young people unemployed in Maputo.

    Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.

    This inequality puts national unity at risk.

    The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.

    Entire ethnic groups and territories are marginalised. Socio-economic and cultural divisions have been replicated in the case of discoveries of large natural resources in the north of the country. Large investments have been made in gas (Total and ENI-Exxon) and rubies in Cabo Delgado.

    A new threat has arisen too: extremism. Islamist-motivated attacks have been occurring in Cabo Delgado since 2017. There was an attack recently on a military base in Macomia.

    Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.

    But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.

    Luca Bussotti does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate? – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)

    Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.

    Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.

    Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.

    Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.

    Azagaia’s POVO NO PODER.

    The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.

    In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.

    Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.

    But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.

    As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.

    Attempts to rekindle the flame

    The newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, opened the 50th anniversary celebrations on 7 April in Nangade, in Cabo Delgado province. This is one of the places where the armed struggle against the Portuguese began.

    National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.

    Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.

    Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.

    In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.

    The reality today is quite different.

    Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.

    He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the

    mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.

    He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.

    For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.

    The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.

    On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.

    The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.

    But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.

    Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).

    The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.

    On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.

    Inequality and disparities

    Mozambique is among the six most unequal countries in the world and one of the poorest. According to World Bank data, 500,000 young people enter the labour market each year, with an average absorption capacity of about 25,000 in the formal sector, and 36% of young people unemployed in Maputo.

    Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.

    This inequality puts national unity at risk.

    The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.

    Entire ethnic groups and territories are marginalised. Socio-economic and cultural divisions have been replicated in the case of discoveries of large natural resources in the north of the country. Large investments have been made in gas (Total and ENI-Exxon) and rubies in Cabo Delgado.

    A new threat has arisen too: extremism. Islamist-motivated attacks have been occurring in Cabo Delgado since 2017. There was an attack recently on a military base in Macomia.

    Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.

    But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.

    Luca Bussotti does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate? – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luca Bussotti, Professor at the PhD Course in Peace, Democracy, Social Movements and Human Development, Universidade Técnica de Moçambique (UDM)

    Mozambique’s government, led by the Frelimo party, has long been planning celebrations for 2025. It is 50 years since independence, won after an anti-colonial war against Portugal led by the same party.

    Something has gone wrong, however, especially in the past two years.

    Since the country’s popular rapper Azagaia died in March 2023 and peaceful processions in his memory escalated into violent clashes with the police, space has opened up for the establishment of a social movement of young people. This has since turned into a political movement, taking on the name “Povo no Poder” (“People in Power”). At its head is a brilliant politician, Venâncio Mondlane.

    Povo no Poder was also the name of Azagaia’s hit song, which had been the soundtrack to 2008 protests against rising energy costs.

    Azagaia’s POVO NO PODER.

    The demonstrations in March 2023 marked a turning point for Mozambique. It was as if all the energy and indignation about a highly corrupt and increasingly authoritarian country that Azagaia had expressed through his songs had been passed on to previously fearful young people. Now they dared to challenge the police and army in the open and without any weapons.

    In late 2024 Mozambicans took to the streets to protest against elections they claimed were rigged. Over 300 people were killed in demonstrations.

    Efforts have been made to redress this serious wound. In preparation for the 50 years of independence Frelimo has been recalling key places and symbols in the liberation war, harking back to a time when they represented justice.

    But attempts to evoke past glory and ideals are not resonating with ordinary Mozambicans. The mood in the country is subdued.

    As a specialist in the politics of lusophone Africa, in particular Mozambique, based on years of research, I find it difficult to envision a future of peace and prosperity for the next 50 years. There are divisive elements at play across the country. The post-election crisis has its roots in widespread discontent. Mozambicans are also rising against the cost of living crisis.

    Attempts to rekindle the flame

    The newly elected president, Daniel Chapo, opened the 50th anniversary celebrations on 7 April in Nangade, in Cabo Delgado province. This is one of the places where the armed struggle against the Portuguese began.

    National symbolism has focused on the torch of national unity, travelling the length and breadth of Mozambique to arrive in Maputo at the historic Machava Stadium on 25 June, Independence Day, for a concluding public ceremony.

    Not everyone has shared this attempt to patch up a country torn both politically and socio-economically.

    Too much has been lost in the intervening decades.

    In the initial period of independence Frelimo adopted socialist policies and attempted to promote free and universal social services, primarily healthcare and education. Back then, the ruling class, starting with the country’s first president, Samora Machel, didn’t enjoy any particular economic privileges.

    The reality today is quite different.

    Journalist and social activist Tomás Vieira Mário, one of the main critics of the current regime, has traced the stages of independent Mozambique’s history. He’s pointed out the contradiction between the initial thrust by many Mozambican common people towards the liberation movement and subsequent, authoritarian developments.

    He concluded in an article that all that remained to unite Mozambicans was the

    mere sharing of the same territorial space. And a lot of blood.

    He was referring to the long war against Renamo from 1976 to 1992 and again from 2013 to 2019, ethnic questions that have never been resolved, and finally the armed attacks in Cabo Delgado of jihadist and ethnic nature.

    For his part, renowned philosopher Severino Ngoenha has also underscored the importance of a justice system that is fair and inclusive, and not at the service of one political party.

    The new opposition is coming not from Renamo or Frelimo but from the streets. Popular protests have taken place this year even in areas once considered Frelimo strongholds. In Gaza province, southern Mozambique, for example, there have been outbreaks of violence, demonstrating that the bipolar system that emerged from the 1992 peace accord now seems incapable of responding to the new demands of Mozambican society.

    On the political level, efforts are being made to overcome the post-electoral crisis and its wounds through the establishment of an Inclusive Dialogue Commission. This is being chaired by jurist Edson Macuacua, who is a vice-minister in the Frelimo government.

    The commission is made up of representatives from all major parties as well as three members of civil society. The eventual aim is radical reform of the state.

    But there are serious doubts about the success of this ambitious project which I believe are legitimate. The big question, beyond any institutional and electoral reforms, is whether the Frelimo party-state will be able to change its political culture in the next elections, accepting any negative results and, therefore, the loss of power.

    Efforts are being made on all fronts to obstruct Mondlane from gaining a political foothold. Mondlane wants to start a new party called the Anamalala (meaning “It will end”, or “Stop!”).

    The name has been rejected by the Ministry of Justice because a Mozambican party cannot be named using a local language – in this case Emakhuwa.

    On the judicial level, several trials are underway against Mondlane and his closest associates, which could result in convictions for inciting protesters to destroy public infrastructure during the post-election demonstrations. If convicted, he would be declared ineligible to run in elections scheduled for 2029.

    Inequality and disparities

    Mozambique is among the six most unequal countries in the world and one of the poorest. According to World Bank data, 500,000 young people enter the labour market each year, with an average absorption capacity of about 25,000 in the formal sector, and 36% of young people unemployed in Maputo.

    Meanwhile, the number of very rich is growing. Mozambique ranks 16th among African countries in terms of the number of millionaires, with 18% growth over the past 10 years.

    This inequality puts national unity at risk.

    The economic disparities between the capital, Maputo, and the rest of the country are increasingly evident.

    Entire ethnic groups and territories are marginalised. Socio-economic and cultural divisions have been replicated in the case of discoveries of large natural resources in the north of the country. Large investments have been made in gas (Total and ENI-Exxon) and rubies in Cabo Delgado.

    A new threat has arisen too: extremism. Islamist-motivated attacks have been occurring in Cabo Delgado since 2017. There was an attack recently on a military base in Macomia.

    Efforts to encourage unity are coming from many quarters: from the promotion of inclusive dialogue; from a civic consciousness that has grown since 2023-2024; and from the country’s economic potential.

    But social inequality remains. So do doubts about Frelimo’s willingness to make Mozambique a country where the winner governs without manipulating election results.

    – Mozambique after 50 years of independence: what’s there to celebrate?
    – https://theconversation.com/mozambique-after-50-years-of-independence-whats-there-to-celebrate-259528

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Western Cape, Northern Cape residents urged to be cautious amid cold front

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Western Cape, Northern Cape residents urged to be cautious amid cold front

    Communities have been urged by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, to be cautious as an intense cold front is anticipated to impact parts of the Western Cape and Northern Cape from Wednesday to Friday.

    According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cold front will make landfall tomorrow over the south-western regions of the country, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, snow, and extremely rough sea conditions.

    The weather service has warned the public about the potential impact of heavy rainfall expected in the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas, saying this could result in localised flooding from Wednesday into Thursday.

    Forecasters have also predicted that roads may become wet and slippery, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents. The public, especially motorists, are urged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and avoid flooded roads.

    The SAWS said strong, gusty winds over the interior may cause localised structural damage and uproot trees, posing risks to property and lives.

    “As a government, we are deeply concerned about the possible impact of this approaching cold front. We call on all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take precautionary steps to protect their lives and property,” Hlabisa said.

    The Minister urged municipalities, provincial disaster management centres, and all stakeholders in the affected provinces to remain vigilant, activate contingency plans, and ensure rapid response measures are implemented to assist communities in need.

    Cold to icy conditions are expected, with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, extending into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.

    According to the department, severe weather is anticipated to affect the maritime sector. 

    Gale-force winds and rough seas with wave heights of 5.5 to 7.5 metres are expected along the Northern Cape and Western Cape coastlines.

    “This could cause major disruptions to the fishing and port operations and increase the risk of vessels capsizing and accidents at sea.” 

    Coastal residents, fishers, and beachgoers are strongly advised to stay away from the shoreline and follow maritime safety warnings.

    As a cold front moves eastward, the Eastern Cape is expected to feel its effects on Thursday, 26 June, with strong and damaging winds spreading across much of the province, which is already prone to weather-related incidents.

    By Friday, 27 June, the department warned that cold and windy conditions will extend into parts of the interior of the eastern provinces, with daytime temperatures dropping significantly. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Shanela nets 15 372

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Operation Shanela nets 15 372

    Over 15 000 individuals have been arrested in the ongoing Operation Shanela operation, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

    According to the SAPS, these successes stem from proactive policing tactics, including high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search initiatives and intelligence-led suspect tracing.

    From 16 -22 June 2025, 15 372 arrests were made.

    Among those arrested were 2,400 wanted individuals, linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery), while a further 159 suspects were arrested for murder (62 in Gauteng and 43 in the Western Cape).

    Other key arrests include: 
    •    86 for attempted murder
    •    100 for rape, with Gauteng leading at 25 arrests
    •    1173 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
    •    235 identified drug dealers
    •    2602 for drug possession, most in the Western Cape (1460)
    •    67 for illegal firearm possession, with 22 from KwaZulu-Natal
    •    14 for human trafficking
    •    1328 illegal foreign nationals detained
    •    1140 drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs- KwaZulu-Natal (411), Mpumalanga (225), Western Cape (195) and Gauteng (144)

    Police also recovered and confiscated 102 firearms, 1,278 rounds of ammunition and 64 hijacked or stolen vehicles.

    In the North West, two suspects were arrested for the fatal shooting of an elderly couple in Rustenburg where a firearm was recovered. Additionally, police intercepted two vehicles on the N1 near Makhado carrying dagga valued at R3 million.

    In KwaZulu-Natal, a 49-year-old man arrested in Adams Mission for illegal possession of two AK-47s and a pistol. Ammunition was also seized.

    Meanwhile in Gauteng police apprehended three Mozambican nationals in Kingsway for cross-border motorcycle theft. Police also found dismantled motorcycle parts found prepared for smuggling.

    In the Eastern Cape two Lesotho nationals were arrested for human trafficking where 10 children were rescued in Matatiele.

    “SAPS remains committed to relentless, multidisciplinary crime prevention through Operation Shanela and related initiatives. The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the dedication of all police officers and partners who collaborated with the police,” the South African Police Service said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

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  • Operation Sindhu: IAF brings back 268 Indian nationals from Israel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday repatriated 286 Indian nationals from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, who had been residing in Israel. With this, the total number of Indian citizens brought back from Israel has risen to 594.

    Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan welcomed the Indian nationals upon their arrival in New Delhi.

    This is the second IAF flight bringing back the Indians from Israel. Earlier in the day, an IAF flight carrying 165 Indians had arrived in the national capital from Amman.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X, “268 Indian nationals who returned in the third flight from Israel were received by MoS L. Murugan. The IAF C-17 flight from Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt, landed in Delhi at 1100 hrs on June 24. 594 Indians have returned so far from Israel as part of Operation Sindhu.”

    The IAF joined Operation Sindhu with its C-17 aircraft to evacuate the Indian nationals and the citizens of friendly nations, including Nepal and Sri Lanka, from war-hit Israel and bring them back home to safety.

    Earlier today, the MEA said that the Israel leg of Operation Sindhu that started on June 23, via Jordan, marking its first successful repatriation flight, with 161 citizens landed in New Delhi from Amman on Tuesday morning.

    Meanwhile, a similar evacuation process continued in Iran, and so far 2,295 Indian nationals have been brought back home, according to the MEA.

    The Government of India has launched Operation Sindhu, a strategic evacuation initiative to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in both countries.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Home Affairs rolls out upgraded National Population Register from 1 July

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, on Monday announced that the department will on 1 July 2025 begin the rollout of an upgraded National Population Register (NPR) verification service to all companies and government users to verify identities with speed and reliability.

    This enhanced service, which will boost service delivery from government departments and enhance financial inclusion in the private sector, will be accompanied by tariff increases implemented after widespread public consultation and after concurrence was obtained from the Minister of Finance.

    The department has since 2013 provided the service – known as the online verification system (OVS) – to third parties that connects them to the NPR. 

    This allows these registered users to check identities and other biographical information of their clients against the Home Affairs database.

    However, since its rollout more than a decade ago at a low cost to users, the demands on the OVS have far outstripped the capacity at which it was originally designed. 

    Since then, there has been no substantive upgrade to the system, while demand and the costs of maintaining the infrastructure increased year-on-year. 

    “Due to the upgrade stasis and the increased demands placed on the OVS by institutions – and exorbitant over-use by some institutions owing to unsustainably low prices – users now experience a staggering failure rate in excess of 50% on verification checks against the NPR.

    “Even in the case of successful verifications, response times often take hours, thereby defeating the purpose of real-time verification. 

    “Both of these factors are directly undermining services that require such verifications, including through the OVS and at Home Affairs offices,” said the department.

    Under-investment and overloading of the OVS is a key factor behind the challenge of having “offline systems” at frontline offices. Additionally, an unreliable NPR poses a direct threat to national security as it undermines the ability of the State to verify identities.

    The under-pricing of this service – with fees as low as R0.15 per verification – has deprived the State of the resources required to maintain and enhance the NPR. 

    In turn, said the department, certain private sector users of the OVS have relied on this artificially low price to inflate their corporate profits at the expense of the quality of services received by the public, while also overwhelming the NPR with queries to such an extent that the failure rate now routinely exceeds 50%.

    Effective from 1 July 2025, and following significant development work by the department and its service providers, a new OVS will be rolled out to all users. 

    The upgraded OVS functions as a sleek, modern system that delivers what it was designed to do. It now performs in real-time and the failure rate has been reduced to below 1%.

    For the first time, the new system will also introduce an option for users to do “non-live batch verifications” during off-peak hours at a significantly lower fee than real-time verifications. 

    This will offer both a cost-effective alternative to real-time verifications and incentivise users to stop overloading the OVS’ live queue, reducing the “system offline” challenge at frontline Home Affairs offices.

    As a result, and for the first time in more than a decade, Home Affairs has increased the fees for a single real-time verification check to R10 per transaction. 

    For non-live batch verifications where a user wishes to verify multiple records simultaneously during off-peak periods, the cost will be R1 per verification field request. 

    This cost is appropriate for the service provided and is not unreasonable when viewed against the costs charged to clients of the organisations utilising the OVS, according to the department. 

    There will be no charge for the use of this service by other government departments.

    The Minister said this was a matter of national security as every responsible State must take the necessary steps to ensure a functional population register. 

    “This upgrade also advances financial inclusion and makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s attempts to get off the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list. 

    “I thank the many stakeholders who expressed support for this vital reform in the interest both of national security and of South Africa Inc during our public consultations and call upon all users of the OVS to rise above narrow profiteering to support the safeguarding of national security,” the Minister said.

    “A healthy NPR is also a prerequisite for a functional Digital ID, as the NPR must become the central database against which identities are verified as Home Affairs becomes a digital-first department.

    “This investment in the NPR is an investment in national security, in financial inclusion, and in the value of our cherished South African identity that will pay off handsomely for our country,” Schreiber said.

    Organisations who would like to be connected to the new OVS must send an email to verifications@dha.gov.za.

    A copy of the gazette containing the new fee schedule can be accessed at https://www.dha.gov.za/images/gazettes/gazette-52893-230625-dha.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa launches second phase of phytosanitary programme to fight crop pests

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), has unveiled the second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP).

    APP is an initiative of the IPPC and FAO, which aims to strengthen the resilience of Africa’s phytosanitary systems against plant pests of regulatory, economic, and environmental significance, using cutting-edge digital tools.

    Held in White River, Mpumalanga on Monday, the launch brought together over 50 phytosanitary specialists from nine countries, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.

    The countries will take part in a weeklong Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshop in advanced pest surveillance techniques, including the use of customised digital tools and applications for monitoring, detecting, and reporting major pests of economic, regulatory, and environmental importance in Africa.

    The participants will be equipped with state-of-the-art tablets for geospatial pest surveillance, use field survey protocols developed by technical experts, and undertake practical sessions using the pest survey tools.

    Delivering remarks on behalf of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Jan Hendrik Venter, Director of Plant Health at the Department of Agriculture, emphasised Africa’s potential to become a global leader in high-quality plant product trade.

    “Africa stands at a turning point. With immense biodiversity, rising agricultural productivity, and growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are well-positioned to become a global leader in the trade of high-quality plant products.

    “But this vision can only be achieved if we ensure that the movement of plants and plant products is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with international phytosanitary standards,” Venter said.

    Venter added that well-trained, well-equipped plant health officials across the continent, are the best line of defence in maintaining pest-free or low-prevalence status, “an essential condition for accessing these lucrative markets.”

    The first and pilot phase of APP started in 2023, engaging phytosanitary specialists from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    Phase 2 builds on achievements made in the pilot phase and aims to train plant health officers, who upon their return to their countries will teach their peers in the national plant protection organisations (NPPOs) and other government stakeholders on the use of the APP suite of digital tools.

    “We are building a critical mass of phytosanitary inspectors, technicians and officers across Africa, by equipping plant health officers with the tools and skills to prevent and address major plant pest threats, that ultimately jeopardise food security, agricultural trade, economic growth and the environment,” FAO Deputy Director General and IPPC Officer-in-Charge, Beth Bechdol said in her video message.

    Funded through generous contributions from the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, APP phase two builds on support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which funded phase one in 2023.

    FAO and the IPPC are working to replicate and scale up the benefits from APP to more African countries and other regions.

    Mitigating the pest problem in Africa

    Globally, plant pests are responsible for destroying about 40 percent of crop yields, resulting in economic losses of approximately USD 220 billion.

    In Africa, the impacts of climate change are exacerbating the problem, with invasive pests such as, fruit flies, false codling moth, maize lethal necrosis disease, citrus greening and fall armyworm – causing major damages.

    According to the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) data, fall armyworm alone is estimated to cause the highest yield loss in Africa – USD 9.4 billion annually.

    The African Union’s Plant Health Strategy for Africa highlights that limited technical capability remains a key barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture on the continent.

    Through APP, FAO, the IPPC and partners aim to strengthen plant health systems and build national phytosanitary capacity across Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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